To promote the concept of a global community of libraries, the [http://www.ala.org American Library Association] (ALA) is encouraging U.S. libraries to form relationships with libraries in other countries. Participants in the ALA Sister Library Initiative should choose the level of involvement with their Sister Library based upon the mutual needs of the libraries. Sister Libraries should make commitments at levels that are comfortable for both participants. Some relationships will be informal, while others may involve formal contracts and ceremonies. The links below will provide ideas and resources to help you arrange this type of partnership. <br>

To promote the concept of a global community of libraries, the [http://www.ala.org American Library Association] (ALA) is encouraging U.S. libraries to form relationships with libraries in other countries. Participants in the ALA Sister Library Initiative should choose the level of involvement with their Sister Library based upon the mutual needs of the libraries. Sister Libraries should make commitments at levels that are comfortable for both participants. Some relationships will be informal, while others may involve formal contracts and ceremonies. The links below will provide ideas and resources to help you arrange this type of partnership. <br>

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'''Wondering what it's like to be in a Sister Library partnership?'''

'''Wondering what it's like to be in a Sister Library partnership?'''

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**Check out our [[Success Stories|success stories]].

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:*Check out our [[Success Stories|success stories]].

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**Take a look at a few reasons [[Why become a Sister Library|why you might want to become a Sister Library]].

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:*Take a look at a few reasons [[Why become a Sister Library|why you might want to become a Sister Library]].

**Then read our suggestions on [[How to find a Sister Library|how to find a Sister Library]]. Explains how to use this website to connect with international libraries, and also lists many other excellent opportunities.

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:*Then read our suggestions on [[How to find a Sister Library|how to find a Sister Library]]. Explains how to use this website to connect with international libraries, and also lists many other excellent opportunities.

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**Browse [[Libraries seeking a Sister Library Relationship|The Directory]] of libraries seeking a Sister Library partnership. This is also where you can list '''your''' library so other libraries can connect with you. Here are the [[Request a Sister Library|instructions]] on how to submit your information to The Directory.

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:*Browse [[Libraries seeking a Sister Library Relationship|The Directory]] of libraries seeking a Sister Library partnership. This is also where you can list '''your''' library so other libraries can connect with you. Here are the [[Request a Sister Library|instructions]] on how to submit your information to The Directory.

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'''Already have a Sister Library?'''

'''Already have a Sister Library?'''

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**Take a look at the [[Suggested activities|suggested activities]] that we've compiled.

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:*Take a look at the [[Suggested activities|suggested activities]] that we've compiled.

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**Submit your [[Sucess Stories|success story]] to be featured on this website.

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:*Submit your [[Sucess Stories|success story]] to be featured on this website.

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'''Here are some [[Resources|resources]] with more information about library twinning.'''

'''Here are some [[Resources|resources]] with more information about library twinning.'''

Revision as of 17:59, 10 July 2007

ALA / IRRT Sister Library Initiative

To promote the concept of a global community of libraries, the American Library Association (ALA) is encouraging U.S. libraries to form relationships with libraries in other countries. Participants in the ALA Sister Library Initiative should choose the level of involvement with their Sister Library based upon the mutual needs of the libraries. Sister Libraries should make commitments at levels that are comfortable for both participants. Some relationships will be informal, while others may involve formal contracts and ceremonies. The links below will provide ideas and resources to help you arrange this type of partnership.

Libraries build community, but today's community is a global one. Many of today's library users have immigrated from other countries. Many routinely travel for pleasure and conduct business abroad. Becoming a Sister Library is an opportunity to build relationships with libraries in other cultures that can help us learn, understand and better serve our own community.

First read over our advance planning checklist for suggestions of things to consider before contacting a potential library.

Then read our suggestions on how to find a Sister Library. Explains how to use this website to connect with international libraries, and also lists many other excellent opportunities.

Browse The Directory of libraries seeking a Sister Library partnership. This is also where you can list your library so other libraries can connect with you. Here are the instructions on how to submit your information to The Directory.